Hostage (Bodyguard #1)(48)

‘I do, but I’ve heard there’s a fantastic new boutique opened up just off Connecticut Avenue,’ Alicia explained, and both girls began to get quite excited at the prospect.

Connor noticed Kyle talking rapidly into his wrist mic, no doubt instructing his advance team to scope out the intended clothes store before their arrival.

The SAP team didn’t get long to do their sweep. The car journey only took ten minutes.

As the three of them entered the boutique, Connor recognized the watchful face of a Secret Service agent loitering near the entrance. As soon as Kyle’s team had deployed themselves, he made a subtle exit with the rest of the SAP agents.

The store itself was a top-end boutique with wall-to-wall fashion from Europe, as well as unique garments from New York, LA and San Francisco. Alicia seemed to be in her element as she browsed the racks of designer clothes.

‘What do you think of this?’ asked Alicia, pulling out a sheer gold dress.

‘It’s gorgeous,’ gasped Kalila. ‘Are you thinking for the prom?’

Alicia nodded. ‘For you.’

‘No,’ she protested. ‘I couldn’t get away with wearing that. Besides, I wouldn’t be allowed to. It’s far too short. But you could –’ Kalila’s phone beeped. She looked at the message and sighed. Texting a reply, she explained, ‘Sorry, I have to go home.’

Alicia tried to hide her disappointment. ‘Do you want us to drop you off?’

‘Thanks, but my brother’s picking me up.’ Her phone beeped again. ‘Wow, he’s parked just round the corner. I told you they’re my own Secret Service!’

Alicia laughed and the two girls hugged each other goodbye.

‘See you on Monday, Connor,’ said Kalila.

Connor waved farewell as she hurried out of the store.

‘Well, it looks like  you’ll have to be my clothes judge,’ declared Alicia, selecting a couple more glamorous dresses from the rail. ‘I’ll just try these on, then we’ll grab a bite to eat.’

Connor watched Alicia make her way to the changing rooms and smiled to himself in bemused amazement. Never would he have imagined that one day he’d be shopping with the President’s daughter, let alone giving advice on what she should wear.

‘How’s it going?’ asked Kyle, appearing at Connor’s shoulder.

‘Fine,’ replied Connor. ‘But I think you’re doing all the work.’

Kyle shook his head. ‘There hasn’t been one moment when you weren’t aware of your surroundings. Seems to me, you’re a natural at this game.’

Connor smiled at the compliment – the first he’d received from Secret Service. ‘What happened back at the Lincoln Memorial?’

‘One of the team pinged a man on our threat list. Rather than cause a scene or alarm Alicia, I decided to simply avoid contact.’

Alicia popped her head out of the changing-room cubicle and waved Connor over.

‘Good luck!’ Kyle remarked as he wandered off, to all intents and purposes appearing the bored husband waiting for his wife, rather than a Secret Service agent protecting the President’s daughter.

Connor headed over to Alicia and stood beside her cubicle.

‘Fancy joining me on a little adventure?’ whispered Alicia, a mischievous grin on her face.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Connor.

Alicia glanced towards an emergency exit at the back of the store.

Immediately grasping her intentions, Connor replied, ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’

‘Oh, don’t be such a killjoy! Even a soldier’s son must have broken the rules.’

‘Your father wouldn’t be happy.’

‘I don’t care what he thinks,’ she shot back. ‘Besides, what’s the worst that could happen? I get recognized and asked for an autograph or photo.’

Connor could imagine a whole host of other possibilities and none of them good.

‘Anyway, if there’s real danger, I’ve a panic alarm in my bag,’ Alicia insisted.

‘I still think it’s too risky,’ said Connor.

Alicia scowled. ‘Fine. Then don’t come with me. I just thought it would be a bit of fun.’

She beckoned the shop assistant over. ‘I think that lady over there might be a shoplifter,’ she whispered, pointing to a blonde-haired woman browsing a nearby rack. ‘I’m sure I saw her put something in her bag.’

‘Thank you, I’ll call security,’ replied the assistant, taking Alicia at her word.

Connor looked over his shoulder at the shoplifter, only to discover the accused was Agent Brooke. A few moments later, a burly security guard approached her and asked to inspect her bag. While the agent was distracted, Alicia made a bolt for the emergency exit.

Connor realized he had to alert Kyle. It was his duty. But, if he did, Alicia would know and she’d no longer confide in him as a friend. He’d lose that essential connection that enabled him to be an effective and covert buddyguard.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Connor had no choice but to follow her.





Bursting out of the back door into an alley, Alicia was off like a shot. Connor was on her tail, but he was left for dust as she sprinted past some dump bins and disappeared round a corner.